Mathematics and Statistics

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers courses to serve a variety of programmatic needs, including coursework to support training in pure and applied mathematics, mathematics education for secondary certification, statistics, computer science, business, and the physical and life sciences. The enable students to select courses suited to a variety of career goals. Advising plays an integral role in achieving these objectives. Consequently, each student selecting mathematics as a major is assigned an advisor to assist with scheduling and career planning. A Mathematics Minor and a Statistics Minor are also available to the student who wishes to complement another choice for major.

Financial Support

Scholarships and loans are available for the conscientious mathematics majors who are seeking support for their education. The Edward Stanley Scholarship, Jeffrey Lynn Hightower Memorial Scholarship, Charles F. Wilkey Scholarship, Wilson-Hartsell Scholarship, Depew Scholarship, Faber-Neal Scholarship, Karen and Michael Fallgatter Scholarship, Otis A. Peeler Scholarship, and Roesel Awards are scholarships designated for mathematics and science majors. To encourage students to teach mathematics in the public schools of Tennessee, the Teacher Loan/Scholarship program has been instituted to cover tuition and fees at East Tennessee State University. The interested student should consult the Financial Aid section of this catalog.

Diagnostic/Placement Program

Students admitted to the university for the first time will be placed in a mathematics course based on their ACT score (or comparable SAT score) to ensure the best possible chance for success. Moreover the Department of Mathematics and Statistics strongly recommends that each student meet with an advisor to see what mathematics courses to take based on mathematics background and program requirements.

Service Courses and General Education Requirements

Besides those mathematics courses designed for the Mathematics Major, Mathematics Minor, and other technical programs of study, there are a number of mathematics courses designed specifically to serve the needs of other programs.

Science and Technology Majors-These majors are expected to complete the three-course sequence 1720, 1840, and 1850. As electives, the interested students may wish to include coursework in linear algebra or in statistics.

General Education Requirements-See major or minor listing for courses to satisfy this requirement. To fulfill the General Education requirement in mathematics, the student must successfully complete one of the following courses: MATH 1840, MATH 1530, or MATH 1910. Undeclared majors or students in programs with no specified mathematics course should enroll in MATH 1530.

Programs of Study in Mathematics

The programs of study in mathematics available to students are briefly described here. Specific program requirements are explained in greater detail later.

Co-Op Program-All students are encouraged to participate in this program to gain practical experience in the applications of mathematics. Consult the chair for information.